How many here do an in the spectators hands phase with their chop cup similar to Micheal O'Brien ?

Also how many think doing an in the spectators hands phase tips the method ?

Most effect I do involve "in their hand" aspects - predating Micheal by decades

Jesting aside, the moves I do in a spectator's hands are not those using the gimmick,
so I do not know if they are similar to what he does or not.

I have always recommended a routine should include non-gimmick phases for acquitment or setting a Pattern of Peformance.

I've been performing the Michael O'Brien routine for a while now and I haven't had it tip. I think it could tip if the performer hasn't rehearsed it until it's second nature.

I do/have done Axel Hecklau's 'Just a Cup' for ages. There's an 'in the hand' spectator phase that I do.....and it always killed.
Usually I would perform this phase with a female and it goes over extremely well.
One of the best phases I would never leave out. Don't believed it tipped the method at all.
Not sure of O'Brien's method but if you're thinking of putting it in your routine, for table hopping or strolling I would highly, highly recommend you do

There is also an 'in the hand' spectator phase with Edouard Boulanger's Presti Cup. It really does kill. It also has an advantage over a chop cup of allowing the spectator to examine the ball and cup without tipping the method.

I do Michael’s routine and it kills. People love it and no one has come up with anything close to the method

Way back in the early 80s I attended George Schindler's lectured on his Chop Mug routine. It is a routine that is entirely in the hands and good for walk around, table-hopping, and stand-up venues. I used the routine pretty much. exclusively for decades. I'd say that in the method was not tipped by the in the hands portion of the routine. It is just too surprising and amazing. I think, done correctly, in the context of the routine that it actually short-circuits the logical, linear thinking process of the spectator.

Honestly I doubt if the in-th-hand sequence tips the method any more than slamming the cup down on the table to dislodge the ball.

I never liked slamming the cup down to dislodge the ball (too large of a motion for my taste). With a finely tuned chop ball, the move is not noticeable and appears as the normal act of putting the cup down.

Michael Kaminskas does a beautiful job of tuning the chop ball to the cup in his Carolina series. I am not sure when he will get more stock. My favorite is his Carolina Queen cup. The gimmick in the 8oz Queen cup is located OFF-CENTER permitting you total control in being able to roll the ball out of the cup or retain it at will, without having to put it down.

Rings-N-Things also sells tunable chop cup balls in various sizes and colors.